- Says political end of Rajapaksas is nigh
Claiming that the politics of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and the Rajapaksas (a reference to the political engagement of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and incumbent Government MP Mahinda Rajapaksa) cannot be carried forward any further, Opposition MP Patali Champika Ranawaka said that the country is in need of a broad, youth-based political movement at present.
Speaking to the media, he said: “We have seen SLPP National Organiser and former Minister Basil Rajapaksa say that he will rebuild the SLPP. If he is thinking of building an alliance led by the SLPP again, that era is over. He will make some effort and return to the United States, but what we have to tell those in the SLPP is that the SLPP and the Rajapaksas cannot be carried forward any further. Even Basil Rajapaksa knows that. Therefore, we must create a force that can do something for the country and build the country by bringing together people who work honestly.”
When questioned by the media about the talk of the formation of political party based alliances these days, he said that it is a matter for each political party to decide whether or not to form or join an alliance. However, he emphasised that the “aragalaya” (people's struggle) and the current situation in the country show the need for a new political force, and added that if such a force is created, it must be a youth led political force.
“This country really needs a sustainable solution now. It should be a political movement rooted in the young generation of this country. However, considering the situation in Sri Lanka, certain features of governance such as the Local Government Election are mostly based on local interests and political parties. We are therefore dedicated to building a political culture based on the young generation,” Ranawaka said, and added when queried as to whether he had any plans of joining an alliance: “We have not yet joined any alliance nor have we received any invitation. Let's see how it will go in the future.”
Speaking to the media recently, Basil Rajapaksa stated that the SLPP as a Party is ready to face any future elections. He said that he is thankful to the people who brought victory to the SLPP in the last Elections. While expressing regret for not being able to fulfill 100% of the expectations of the people, he said that the SLPP will correct certain shortcomings and fulfill the expectations of the people in the future. Meanwhile, stating that a relationship has been established between the SLPP and the United National Party (UNP) following the SLPP's support to elect UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as the President, SLPP General Secretary, Government MP and Attorney Sagara Kariyawasam said that the SLPP is ready to work with the UNP in a way that does not harm the policies of the two Parties.